This was a really cool project for SEM, and a great way to introduce ourselves to the Pennsylvania solar market! The Brosius family has been running the Marlboro Mushrooms farm for six generations in West Grove, Pennsylvania. Solar was a great choice. We were able to help them figure out a way to offset all of their electric needs, which is significant, considering how much power it takes to maintain the mushroom crops. The 1.13 MW system uses SunPower modules on a T0 tracking system, which makes sure the panels are always getting optimal exposure to the sun. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Solar’ Category
Nation’s Oldest Family Mushroom Farm Goes Solar
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012Second Biggest Zipper Company In The World Goes Solar
Thursday, January 19th, 2012SEM’s solar team is busy this time of year! We recently flipped the switch on a nearly 200-kW PV system for IDEAL Fastener just up the road in Oxford, North Carolina. They’ve got facilities in more than 20 countries world-wide, and are already considering adding another solar array to the same factory here or one of their plants overseas. (more…)
Washington and Lee Solar Array: Largest In Virginia
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012SEM recently finished up work for a project at Lewis Hall, Washington and Lee’s school of law. The system includes more than 1,000 SunPower modules, making it the largest in Virginia. This is the second time we’ve partnered with Secure Futures to help install a system for universities in Virginia, and we think this can be a great model for other schools wanting to do something similar.
Solar Farm At Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant Energized
Friday, December 30th, 2011Over the last few years, SEM has been working hard with the City of Raleigh, NxGen and Progress Energy to bring a really cool solar project to fruition. In late December, we were able to flip the switch on the 1.3-megawatt solar farm at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project is a testament to the complexities of a major solar project — and proof positive that dedicated partners can make it work!
I’d Rather Prevent A Solar PV Fire Than Put One Out
Friday, December 16th, 2011
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are some of the safest types of ways to generate electricity. Once installed, there are few (if any) moving parts, no need for extracting fossil fuels from the earth, no danger of meltdowns or spills…the array just sits there soaking up the sun. As with any type of electrical system, though, there is always the danger of dealing with high voltage going somewhere it wasn’t intended.
The biggest risk for PV is a ground fault, which under certain circumstances could potentially start a fire. It is, however, extremely rare. A 2010 study by the National Fire Prevention Association found only a handful of incidents over more than 30 years (more…)
PV Protectionism: CASM’s Dangerous Strategy
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
Over the last few weeks, a lot of attention in the solar world has been on CASM (aka the Coalition of American Solar Manufacturers). This group, led by SolarWorld and six other anonymous companies, is employing a dangerous strategy by using a lawsuit to slow down the amount solar being imported from China. We at Southern Energy Management do not support this action. In fact, SEM has joined a growing list of more than 100 industry leaders as part of the newly-formed Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE), whose sole purpose is (more…)
Westgate Chrysler Jeep Partners With Southern Energy Management For Large Solar Project
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011We’ve teamed up with Westgate Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram this fall, putting a 98.7 kilowatt PV system on the roof of their service bay. It’s the first time a car dealership has ever taken advantage of Progress Energy’s SunSense Commercial Solar PV Program, which is pretty cool. My favorite part of this project, though, is the visibility! Westgate CJDR is located off the northern end of the runway at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and they have dozens of planes buzzing their property every day. Next time you fly out of RDU, make sure you look for this system! (more…)
Ray Family Farms: Moving Closer To Net Zero With Solar
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
This is a guest blog entry from Chad Ray, Vice President of Olde Heritage Builders, co-owner of Ray Family Farms and longtime friend of Southern Energy Management. As a sustainable entrepreneur he agreed to discuss his efforts using solar power and green building practices to help get his farm closer to being a net-zero property. Enjoy! (more…)
Solar Double Cropping at Piedmont Biofuels
Monday, September 12th, 2011
We’re busy right now in Pittsboro, working on one of the cooler concept projects that I’ve come across in a while: “solar double cropping.” The basic idea is that we install the modules high enough off the ground so that farmers can harvest crops that thrive in partial shade.
There is a great group of people & companies involved in this project, including Miraverse Power and Light, Piedmont Biofuels and Piedmont Biofarm. (more…)
“The Student Has Become The Teacher”
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Last weekend I discovered a sure-fire cure for the alumni blues. It’s been just over five years since I graduated from the Appropriate Technology Program at Appalachian State University, and I’ve remained close with Dr. Dennis Scanlan, the program’s coordinator. He invited me back to ASU to give a presentation on commercial-scale solar photovoltaic systems as part of the 2011 Appalachian Renewable Energy Workshop Series. So this past Saturday I found myself standing in front of 24 men and women, with the roles reversed a little…and I loved it. (more…)
